When an Italian Plumber Steps Inside the Club - Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix
Dance Dance Revolution [or similar dance mat rhythm-based games] are embedded in Japanese culture.
It is no secret that arcade culture is still electric in Japan, with the legendary dancing game being a paragon of a pastime for the likes of salarymen, the youth, and everyone in between. Still today the many arcades littered around Tokyo fill up from morning till night, with the infamous dance machines being the battleground of choice for aspiring nighttime 2-step aficionados.
So, in 2005, when Nintendo released a mash-up of the smash hit classic arcade game and its most iconic Italian mascot, Mario, it was no wonder that it would be a match made in heaven. Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix is exactly what you’d expect it to be; a remix of the signature gameplay mechanics of DDR but bringing in Nintendo’s beloved cast from the Mushroom Kingdom. Released for the GameCube, coming with its own dance mat, this gave sofa gamers the excuse to clear out some space and bring the arcade to them.
With nearly 30 songs to choose from and different difficulty levels, the game provides a few hours of joyful fun for casual gamers. Featuring a story mode that sees you traveling through Mario’s universe, dancing in rhythm, and acquiring enough points to clear the level and move on. As you can expect, the plot of the story is nothing too inspiring and follows the same recipe of foiling Bowser's malicious plans.
It's no new concept for Nintendo to collide their most loved characters with other franchises, take their multiple spin-offs such as Mario Tennis and Hotel Mario for instance, but DDR: Mario Mix was a refreshing take on a classic that also acted as an introductory level challenge for aspiring DDR professionals.
The game hums with nostalgia for many, and although widely under the radar, the core fans praise it for its great soundtrack and quirky character.
